DISCOVERIES

Youth and Age—The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97), Irish philosopher, statesman.

INTRODUCTION
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ith regard to new technology, there are two main reasons to pursue scientific knowledge: (1) for the sake of the knowledge itself, and (2) for the practical uses of that knowledge. Because this second aspect of science affects the lives of most of us, it is more obvious than the first. Knowledge must be gained, however, before it can be applied, and often the most important technological advances arise from research pursued for its own sake. In many cases, “discoveries” are accidental through repetition of an effort to learn (gain knowledge) by trying new things. This does indeed describe our loyal antenna experimenters does it not?

Previously, new technology was more concerned with the construction of machines, structures and tools on a relatively large scale. The development of materials for building bridges or skyscrapers is a good example, as is the development of the internal-combustion engine and the nuclear reactor. While such activities involve all the sciences, from chemistry to nuclear physics, the main objective has been the same: to improve the human condition by finding better ways to deal with the macroscopic world. Voids that needed filling.

But, now that we have (most of) those big things, that trend has changed to a focus from macroscopic toward microscopic. This is about the mainstream trends, but not intended to overlook some amazingly large projects for bridges, tunnels, oil drilling rigs, etc. under way yet today.

FROM MACRO TO MICRO
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Since the early 1950s (World War II) the focus of technological activity has undergone a major change. While the old activities are still pursued to fill a need, they have been largely superseded by applications of technology at the microscopic level. Instead of building large-scale structures and machines, modern technology tends to concentrate on finding improved ways to transfer information and to develop new materials by making things smaller, but more powerful at the same time. In essence, the study the way atoms come together and learning more about those secrets held tightly by Mother Nature. The silicon chip and microelectronics launched a “new age” and is typical of this new technological trend, as is the more recent interest in genetic engineering. For instance, our knowledge of DNA has opened a whole new world of science. As for one important application, we are able to determine the culprit from unsolved crimes dating back for several decades by matching DNA. Genealogy is another fascinating benefit to aid in the tracing of our ancestors. Cloning is a bit scary however, but these are areas for discussion that could fill volumes.

The advent of the Internet is just one familiar consequence of this new trend, which can be expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Ironically, creating a communications system that could survive a nuclear war was a major (if not the) impetus behind the development of this system. “Arpanet” is often referred to as the creator of the Internet.

As many know, Arpanet is an acronym for Advanced Research Project Agency Network. It was an early communications network developed by the Department of Defense in the late 1960s. It connected high-tech research institutions and the military. Our computer logs still record a few visits each month via Arpanet.

SPIN-OFFS
Many offshoots of “new technology” trace its foundation from government-funded projects for the military and the like. This is largely because of the amount of funds needed for early research can be beyond the reach of most private entrepreneurs—and too risky for private investors.

In recent times, especially the past decade, we have observed a similar pressure for smaller profile antennas. New ideas have emerged with all sorts of designs and material-based concepts—including mysterious theories to support their working bases. All have been investigated and heatedly debated amongst the members of the scientific community. Most, if not all of the design and development of such proposed “antenna” devices have been sponsored privately, as far as we know—I reiterate, as far as we know!

This is contrary to the usual evolution of dramatic new technology. Thus, this would say before we can make real progress toward the design and development of an efficient compact antenna, major funding is required to support an exhaustive effort of research and development—and testing until the end result is achieved. Of course, some source must first propose a legitimate workable specific concept, at least in theory to gain the backing necessary. So, we are back to the unfamiliar part—gain the knowledge!

For one, I am confident that one day we will see the breakthrough(s) needed to achieve our goals in the compact antenna field of technology. It is difficult to believe we have seen all of the possible enhancements to make an antenna “think” it is larger than it is, such as the well-known tricks of top-loading, networks, feeding, etc. I have said before, the compact that fills this void may not even resemble the traditional antenna. Therefore, we must think outside of the box of routine imagination.

A SAGE PUBLIC
Another noticeable trend has been observed as a result of the “new concepts” that have emerged over the past decade. The public is much better informed now about antennas vis-à-vis their claims of performance. Perhaps we can thank the Internet technology for that as well because information now reaches around the globe in an instant, even in the most remote regions. I know for certain that this magazine has been responsible for informing the world about some of the antenna newcomers as well as some that have been around for a couple of decades or more. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without a team of very capable investigators, many who are active members of the International group known as the GARDS.

Through a coordinated and cooperative effort between the members, new concept are reviewed and clinically tested. This is followed by an unbiased report of the results presented in the form of an article or series of articles in one or mores issues of antenneX to more than 70,000 in 200 countries.

As one might imagine as publisher of this type of tech magazine, I become aware of some things in the works “out there” from time-to-time and some show real evidence of radiating, although not yet measuring up to the needs of the commercial standards. You can bet when one or more measures up for release, you will read about it here in future issues of antenneX.

K5CNF RETURNS
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Those who have enjoyed the articles by Richard Morrow about clever experimental antennas and many other useful & practical, easy to build devices, he is back! After a 3-year absence, one of Richard's articles appears in this the June 2005 issue of antenneX. One might say this article has been 3 years in the making. Shortly after starting the article about his installation, use and results of a screwdriver antenna in early 2002, Richard suffered a very serious illness and has been in recovery after multiple surgeries throughout the past 3 years. Although he is scheduled for additional surgery in November 2005, Richard has regained enough mobility and energy to complete this and several more articles before the next surgery. Richard has been associated with antenneX since its inception in 1988.Welcome back to Richard!

VISIT THE NEW GUEST ROOMS
The relentless attacks on our web site by pirates and the like has made it necessary to add more security to protect our material against such piracy. It's only fair that we know who enters the House of antenneX, so our guests will need to provide some minimal information in the process of obtaining a login. This includes using your real active email address without which a login cannot be received. Do not confuse this login with a paid subscription login. They are not the same and your subscriber login will NOT work in the Guest Room areas. Of course, you may choose to create your own login to the Guest Rooms using the same login as your subscription, if the system will accept it.

Along with the continuing fight against spam/virii junk, protecting our material and valuable bandwidth against piracy takes up a great amount of our time—time we can't really spare. The Internet is simply not the friendly neighborhood it used to be in the "old days" and more and more security must be installed to counteract these intruders. Thus, we have made the access to the Guest Rooms as automatic as possible for you to manage your own login.

In view of the above, we have overhauled the nine free and open-access sections that have always been wide open to all of our friends throughout the many years antenneX has been online. But, we must change with the times as the need dictates. I don't think the Internet will become more friendly in the near future and logins are becoming the rule rather than the exception. To repeat, most would like to know who they invite into their house. The same applies at the House of antenneX. It's really worth the effort!

We have activated a new login system for access to the above guest rooms — and, the login can be totally managed by our guests. Above is a graphic of what you see as a login page to the new consolidated area, "antenneX Guest Rooms." This new page for logins is at this location now and available for your use:

As a result of this new programming, you will be able to obtain your own login, change it to update your info, change your password and delete membership if & when you desire without our help. Of course, the bottom link on the new page provides help if you still need it.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR DOWNLOADS
We have added more programs to the download section in the new Guest Rooms. So, it is a good idea to be registered on the announcement list especially to learn about the free goodies we find and offer like the above.To register on the announcement list, just go here.

Corner Reflectors Revisited Again
Part 2: A Non-Systematic Look at Some Corner Variations
By L.B. Cebik, W4RNL

In Part 1 of this return visit to the corner reflector, we examined a series of 72 reflectors, all modeled as wire grids using 0.1-m (wavelength) segments of 0.0159-m (wavelength) radius wire. In the discussion of planar reflectors, we had established that this method of forming a model of a closely spaced screen or a solid surface is quite accurate, at least, relative to assemblies using wires on a grid that is up to 4 times more dense.

It’s Lightning Time Again!
By Tom Cox, KT9OM

Not only is lightning a threat to towers, antennas, radios and people, but it is a strong indicator of the intensity of the storms in whose company it usually travels. Here in Indiana, and elsewhere in the Midwestern and Great Plains portions of the United States, a stronger thunderstorm is more likely to produce tornadoes, and stronger storms tend to have more lightning. The huge masses of fast moving updrafts and downdrafts that produce severe thunderstorms act as gigantic Van de Graff generators, accumulating vast electrostatic charges that are dissipated as lightning. Several devices have been developed to detect and quantify lightning activity that we will discuss in this article.

Antenna System Impedance Matching Analysis Using Stubs
By Fred M. Griffee, N4FG (EE Retired)

In previous articles, I have referred to stub matching. This article shall address that subject and also compare experienced results with hybrid matching. Hybrid matching refers to the use of actual inductive and capacitive variables instead of transmission line segments. It appears very little is included regarding stub matching details. Indeed, it usually starts and ends by using the Smith Chart or other graphical technique. In this day and age, graphic use can be replaced by the equations used to derive the graphics. Quite clearly, programs that can be derived today can include both if desired. My efforts will concentrate on the more simplified approach of using given equations within the program.

A New Approach to Poynting Vector Synthesis: Part 2
By Claudio Re, I1RFQ and Federico Vavassori

In the first part of this series we decided to investigate, without prejudices, the PVS (Poynting Vector Synthesis) rules on an antenna composed from an elementary dipole and an elementary loop. The calculations failed to show a Poynting vector, crossing the E and H fields of the two antennas, at first for the simple reason that the polarization of the two antennas was one opposed to the other (one vertical, the other horizontal). Then, we decided to repeat the calculations rotating the polarization of the loop and changing its plane from the XY plane to the ZY plane. This articles presents our second phase of experiments along with illustrations and math to support the theories.

The Rockmite Mini Portable Antenna
By Pascal Veeckmans ON4CFC/QRPP, ON4CFC
Translation by Jef Verborgt, PhD

In the previous issues of antenneX we showed how to build a CW mini paddle for mobile use. We then showed how to assemble within a few hours, the Rockmite a QRPP transmitter from Wonder Labs. While waiting for the kit to arrive from the United States, I decided to build a compact, portable antenna to be used with the Rockmite transmitter and the mini paddle. In order to be user friendly the antenna had to fulfill the following requirements :
1.    One foot maximum length for easy transport
2.    Easy to use on a balcony, yard or open field
3.    Easy to mount or to take down without using any tools
4.    Multiband, i.e, covering the 10,12,15,17 and 20 meter bands by sliding in and out of a homemade coil

THE BB-3 SCREWDRIVER MOBILE ANTENNA
By Richard Morrow, K5CNF

Those who have enjoyed the clever experimental antennas & many other practical, easy to build devices, I am pleased to report that one of Richard Morrow's articles appears once again in this issue after a 3-year absence due to an incapacitating illness. One might say this article has been 3 years in the making as shortly after starting the article about his installation, use and results of a screwdriver antenna in early 2002, Richard suffered a very serious illness and has been in recovery after multiple surgeries throughout the past 3 years. antenneX is pleased to welcome Richard back with this article about another one of his many practical experiments.

Well, there you have it, folks—thanks for listening and remember, the reading lamp is always on for you in the reading rooms. If I can be of further help, I'm just a Stone's Throw! away.-30-

Best reGARDS, Jack L. Stone, Publisher
jack@antennex.com
June 2005 antenneX Online Issue #98